LIVE: Normalcy returning to Tamil Nadu as Northeast Monsoon fury abates

Heavy rains have abated in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai after leaving the city submerged for two days.

Chennai: Live updates from the rains that have caused havoc in several parts of southern India.

18 November 2015

12:35 PM

Normalcy returning to Tamil Nadu

Much to the relief of people of Tamil Nadu, the fury of Northeast Monsoon has subsided with only a few districts experiencing rains and life was gradually limping back to normal here.

The death toll in rain-related incidents across Tamil Nadu stood at 79.

Tiruvallur district along with some areas around Madurai had experienced moderate showers even as the severely affected Kancheepuram was inching back to normalcy.

In Chennai, civic authorities were pumping out water from inundated localities in south suburban Velachery, one of the worst affected, with boats being used to transport people to safer places.

Boats had also been deployed at Velachery, Perumbakkam, Saidapet, Thoraipakkam and Nandambakkam to rescue people.

Meanwhile, areas in Korattur in the city were still in knee-deep water and according to authorities it could take a couple of days for water to dry up fully.

Suburban areas in the city were still inundated.

In Kancheepuram district, the Army and Air Force were deployed since yesterday to rescue stranded citizens as torrential rains left residents marooned. Respite from rains for the last two days enabled denizens to venture out to buy essential commodities.

The Navy and Coast Guard had also joined rescue operations.

According to the Met office, there could be rains in the neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry besides moderate rain in some areas of Chennai during the day today.

The state has largely been spared of any outbreak of diseases due to incessant rains following precautionary measures launched by authorities.

Vegetable prices, especially in the affected areas, have skyrocketed following poor arrival of the produce from other states.

Most of the schools and colleges in Chennai and suburbs remained closed today. - PTI

10:48 AM

The area (Kotturpuram) is flooded with water, we are facing many difficulties- Chennai Resident #chennairains pic.twitter.com/3Tk8Bq84Wm

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2015

10:13 AM

Heavy rain causes water logging in Chennai, vehicles submerged in rainwater #chennairains pic.twitter.com/jwMmxg5XY0

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2015

09:45 AM

Heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh

The focus has now shifted from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh where the coastal region has been receiving heavy rains.

In fact, five deaths have already been reported from Kadapa district. Among other districts which have been receiving heavy rains include Chittoor, Nellore and Prakasam.

As per reports, 14,000 people have already been shifted to relief camps in Nellore and Chittoor districts.

Heavy rains triggered by the north east monsoon continue to lash several districts of Andhra Pradesh flooding low-lying areas.

Many trains have also been cancelled in the state as tracks got submerged at several places.

The MeT forecast is for heavy rains over the next two days.

09:00 AM

Rains abate in Tamil Nadu

Heavy rains have abated in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai after leaving the city submerged for two days. Till Tuesday evening, 79 people had been confirmed dead across the state.

City administration used choppers, boats and vehicles to evacuate nearly 55,000 people from Chennai and its neighbourhood.

The Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force and the Coastal Security Group were also pressed into rescue operations.

The MeT department had yesterday said that the low pressure area is likely to dissipate in a day or two, with likelihood of only scattered rains.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has already announced allocation of Rs 500 crore towards relief and rehabilitation.